Meta considered a ‘whisper strategy’ to turn academics against Jonathan Haidt
Newly filed court documents show that in March 2023, Meta discussed a campaign strategy to turn academics against Jonathan Haidt, a prominent researcher who blamed social media for rising adolescent depression and anxiety. This occurred as Meta faced public pressure and legal proceedings over teen safety issues. Haidt later published his bestselling book The Anxious Generation and had previously testified before Congress on his research.
Key points
- Meta considered 'whisper strategy' to discredit Haidt, a key social media critic
- Campaign aimed to turn academics against Haidt in March 2023
- Haidt had testified before Congress and was publishing research on social media harm
- Emerged amid Meta's teen safety trials and public pressure
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